Do you think it is too late to go into nursing?

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Hi All,

I am looking for honest opinions. I am turning 37 this year and seriously considering applying for nursing school for fall 2008 (I will be 38 then). DO you think that I would be too old to be successful in school? I know that there is a high dropout rate in nursing school but I'm more concerned that since I would be older than most of the students, that maybe the professors would be a little harder on me, KWIM? I am also concerned that considering my age it may not be "worth it" since employers would look at me and think "she only has 20 yrs before retirement", KWIM? I guess I am looking for people who were like me, older with little kids, spouse, all the bills, and concerned that it would be a good decision yet has the desire to do the job. Anyone out there like me?

I start Nursing school in September and will be the big 40 in November. I felt like I was one of the oldest in my classes, but no one treated me differently, and in fact returning when I was older I was a much better student and I think my teachers recognized that. I still bemoan the fact that I will be 42-43 when I finish, but it is my lifelong dream and I do want to be happy that I accomplished something I wanted.

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Specializes in OR.

You will be 40 in 2 years anyway- whether or not you go to school. Why not be 40 and a nurse?

This is the best thing I have read in this thread so far! And something I really needed to hear today. I was getting a bit discouraged today when I realized how long it is going to take me to finish my pre-reqs and that I will be in my late 30s before I can even apply to nursing school. But as you said, I will still be in my late 30s, why not be in my late 30s and be doing what I want to be doing!

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You're still young! And that means something considering it's coming from a 27 year old. So if I think you're young, you're young.

I worked with an LPN who was 55 when she graduated AND she was going back for her BSN. All you can do is try it, if it's not for you that's ok. You tried and then you won't be wondering at 76 if you should've.

My sil's mom who is 50ish is going back to school for nursing. She's taking pre reqs (slowly) because she's still working full time. She loves it and wishes she would have done it years ago! If this is what could make you happy go for it! Life is too short to be spent on regrets.

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I am 38 and starting NS in the fall, so I will also be 40 when I graduate! Yeah, I was nervous about it too. But I went to my orientation the other day and there were plenty of people older than me there too. I didn't feel uncomfortable at all, and I really don't think it wll be an issue - other than maybe my aching back, LOL.

So obviously, I say go for it. We may be in the minority, but you are so not alone!

Kelly

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:lol2: I'm 46 with 3 children - one who is about to go off to college this Fall.

I start an LPN program in 13 days!! :monkeydance: :monkeydance: I am excited, scared, and anxious to jump in........but I never thought I was too old to try and achieve my dream of nursing.

Jump in......the water is fine ;) You'll have lots of support from us "mature" students

Good Luck!!

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you are not too old, i am 37, married with a full time job and will be attending nursing school this fall. This is my second degree and and I am enjoying every moment of it, I am more matured, better organaized and in school because I want to be there. If this is what you want to do, nothing can stop you, but you. Think of the positives and your self satisfactio. Best of luck and you will do well:smackingf

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It is great to see those that age isn't going to stop them. I am 51 and just now starting on my prerequisite classes for nursing. I still have to decide what direction to take, since the community college offers so much. There are many tech certificates such as, radiologic, and surgery tech.

I don't believe we are ever too old, it just takes determination to keep a goal in mind.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, ER, Peds ER-CPEN.

we have a few in their 40's and one in his 50's and they tend to have the higher grades

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I am 35 and just finished first semster. There are actually about 12 or so students in my class of 35 students who are over the age of 30! It's really nice to be an older student because we are more motivated, focused and disciplined than the average youngster.

Our little group has bonded and we are going through the process together. I am sure you will find other students your age if you decide to pursue school and if not, it's not such a big deal if this is something you really want. They way I see it, I am going to turn 40, 45, 50, etc. regardless of how I spend the time, and I chose to pursue my dreams no matter what age I am!

Good Luck with you decision. :)

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Apply to nursing school! I just graduated from the University of Maryland, and a good amount of my classmates where in their 30's-40's. I even had a classmate who was 63! Several other classmates had 3-4 children. Now just ask yourself if you have enough support from home, because it will be tough. I wish you the best. By the wa, it gets easier after the 1st year of hell.

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Specializes in Psych.

I start my final year of nursing classes this Fall and will be 35 when I graduate. This is my 3rd degree. I agree with the poster that said you will be older anyway...why not do something you really want to with that time? I'm psyched to finally be a nurse in August 08! You can do it! You are never too old!

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Specializes in ER, CCU.

Hi,

I'm Shell, I'll Be 32 This Year And Just Finished My First Semester Of Prolly 20 (due To The Forever Nagging Presence Of Bills Can Only Go Part Time). I Look At It Like This, I Have Basically 33 Years Left Before I Can Retire, I Would Rather Spend It Doing What I Always Wanted To Do Than Doing What I'm Doing Now And Bored Too Death At.

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